Foundation Doctor (FY1/FY2) · City comparison · 2026

Aberdeen vs Bristol

Q: Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Aberdeen or Bristol?

Aberdeen pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Bristol. After living costs, Aberdeen professionals have £293/month more disposable income.

Q: What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen vs Bristol?

In Aberdeen: £2,510/month net. In Bristol: £2,517/month net. After rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Bristol's £1,167/month.

Q: What salary in Bristol matches Aberdeen purchasing power?

Approximately £38,100 in Bristol delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a COL index of 73 vs 75.

Q: Is Aberdeen or Bristol cheaper to live in?

Aberdeen is cheaper (COL 73 vs 75). Rent: Aberdeen £1,050/mo vs Bristol £1,350/mo.

Q: What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen?

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen has a rent-to-income ratio of 42% (stretched). In Bristol the equivalent is 54%.

Aberdeen wins on purchasing power. Aberdeen foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £293/month more disposable income after rent than their Bristol counterparts.

Aberdeen salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

Bristol salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Aberdeen wins by

+£293

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Aberdeen

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen retains £293/month more than in Bristol — that's £3,516/year extra in purchasing power.

+£293

per month

Aberdeen

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,510

Rent (1-bed) £1,050

Rent-to-income 42% — Stretched

After rent £1,460

Bristol

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £1,350

Rent-to-income 54% — High pressure

After rent £1,167

Aberdeen vs Bristol: what the £293/month gap means for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)

On paper, Aberdeen foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) roles pay £0/year more than Bristol. But take-home after tax and National Insurance tells a different story — Aberdeen workers keep £2,510/month versus £2,517/month in Bristol.

The bigger picture is after rent. Average Aberdeen rent runs £1,050/month versus £1,350/month in Bristol. Once housing costs are factored in, Aberdeen workers have £1,460/month disposable income versus £1,167/month in Bristol — that is £3,516/year in real spending power.

Aberdeen's rent-to-income ratio of 42% compares favourably to Bristol's 54%.

For foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s prioritising financial freedom, Aberdeen delivers significantly more disposable income despite comparable gross pay.

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Aberdeen	Bristol	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£1,050	£1,350	+29%
Transport	£60	£80	+33%
Council tax	£148	£148	0%
Groceries	£285	£285	0%
Disposable income remaining	£827	£518	-37%

Sources: NHS Scotland 2025/26 · Rightmove Q4 2025 · HMRC 2025/26 · Numbeo 2025

Cost-of-living equivalence

Based on a cost-of-living index of 73 for Aberdeen and 75 for Bristol, a salary of £37,068 in Aberdeen delivers equivalent purchasing power to £38,100 in Bristol.

Aberdeen £37,068 ≈

£38,100

in Bristol

Income retention after all essentials

% of net monthly pay remaining after rent, transport, council tax and groceries

Aberdeen 33%

Bristol 21%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Aberdeen £2.77

Bristol £2.85

Transit (single trip)

Aberdeen £1.43

Bristol £1.90

Gym membership

Aberdeen £40/mo

Bristol £41/mo

Cinema ticket

Aberdeen £11.68

Bristol £12.00

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Aberdeen or Bristol? +

Aberdeen pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Bristol — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Aberdeen professionals have £293/month more disposable income, making it the stronger city in real terms.

What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen vs Bristol? +

In Aberdeen: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. In Bristol: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Bristol's £1,167/month.

What salary in Bristol matches Aberdeen purchasing power? +

Approximately £38,100 in Bristol delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a cost-of-living index of 73 (Aberdeen) vs 75 (Bristol).

Is Aberdeen or Bristol cheaper to live in? +

Aberdeen is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 73 vs 75 for Bristol (London = 100). Rent in Aberdeen averages £1,050/month (1-bed) vs £1,350/month in Bristol.

What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen? +

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen earning £37,068 takes home £2,510/month. With median 1-bed rent of £1,050/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 42% (stretched). In Bristol the equivalent ratio is 54%.